EDITOR’S DESK
Your Voice in the Industry
W
henever a new leader — government or corporate — is elected or hired we have a sense of hope and often great expectations. The same holds true for elected
members of our industry associations. This brings me directly to Don Budden, the recently elected president of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA),
who I recently spoke to (see interview on page 35). Based on our 20 minute phone call, I am already impressed with him, particularly his humility and vision as well as his love for this industry and the people in it. His genuine care for the industry clearly came through. During our discussion, he shared with me one of his personal goals, and that is to get more people involved with CANASA on a volunteer basis. He readily admitted that an association, like CANASA, can only do so much with the resources and staff it has. As an example, he stated that legislatures pay more attention to their constituents than to
a spokesperson for the industry. However, both sides are crucial. The best associations aren’t looking at just adding members; they are looking at adding real value — impacting attitudes, capturing vital trends and threats, developing strategic skills and generating network power for their members. CANASA believes just that and in moving the industry forward and buil- ding the industry as a great place to work. The question for security professionals is: are you a part of the solution for a positive
change and emerging opportunities for your industry? It’s easy to complain, especially about associations. I am not sure about you, but a lot of people I know do not believe they could ac- tually make a difference in the association and the industry they work in. The fact is that each and every one of us has a voice and the ability to contribute if we want to. If you are an owner or working full time, which most of us are doing, it is difficult to make
and manage your time. It’s human nature to avoid extra work and remain happy with what you are doing. Very seldom will people try to find ways to make things better, but it’s not im- possible to find the time and make a difference. As an employee, you may not have the luxury of taking days off from work to serve the as-
sociation, but the time you spend can be just a couple of hours a week. Budden has a number of initiatives to increase membership, including conducting e-mail and phone call cam- paigns. He also plans on using existing members to spread the word. His point is that no matter how busy a person is, everyone can have a voice in the industry. It may not be a lea- dership position, but they can at least make a few calls. There is something for everyone who wants to participate. If you have the desire and want to be influential, the next step is to accept the responsibi-
lity and find the time. This is the real secret of making a difference in the industry today. As members of the industry, we have a choice: either help shape the future or be carried
away by the waves of circumstances. As we have seen, significant competition and changes can come from anywhere at a moment’s notice. If we wait for a crisis to make significant changes, we will seldom have the money or time to succeed. Your day-to-day experiences in the field can help monitor and identify threats and opportunities for the association. While it is true that one person can make a difference, we also need to work together.
There is something special about celebrating successes and triumphs with industry collea- gues. On a personal level you will achieve recognition for the good work you have done and feel the satisfaction of true accomplishment. I encourage everyone to take the first step and become actively involved with whatever
time and talents you can bring. Let’s keep the hope alive and work together to make a diffe- rence in 2012. As Budden said to me: “I have been fortunate to work with great people in the industry and in a business that I love. This is a great industry!”
Until next time, Richard Hahn
4 SECURITY PRODUCTS CANADA| Winter 2011
PUBLISHER Paul Grossinger
pgrossinger@annexweb.com EDITOR
Richard Hahn
ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Dave Douglas
ART DIRECTOR Mark Tzerelshtein
markintoshdesign.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Antoinette Modica, Samsung
Bob Lafrance, Rutherford Controls International Carl Jorgenson, Core Products Group Ed Fitchett, Fitch Surveillance Systems
Kim Schellenberg, Armstrong's Communication Larry Ell, Interlogix
Mark Joseph, Northeastern Protection Service Normand Fiset, Panavideo Paul Swan, Tri-Ed Distribution
Travis Firth, ADT Security Services Canada
Security Products Canada is a unique, innovative and easy to read security product focused publication for Canadian dealers, installers and integrators. It offers Canadian security professionals a deeper under- standing of new trends and opportunities created by ground-breaking technologies and innovative ideas to keep them ahead of their competition.
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